THE Solomon Islands Ministry of Infrastructure Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Australia to help maintain its large portfolio of infrastructure assets.
Under the agreement, Australia will support upgrades to the ministry’s Strategic Transport Asset Management System software, provide software training, and draft a strategic asset management plan.
Currently, the Ministry manages around 1,500 roads, 2,000 bridges and crossings, and 30 wharves and jetties.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said maintaining such a large portfolio of assets required up-to-date information and planning to inform expenditure decisions and resource allocation.
“Adopting a strategic infrastructure management approach is central to prolonging the life of Solomon Islands key roads, bridges and wharves.”
“As Solomon Islands largest infrastructure partner, Australia is working with government to support the National Infrastructure Priority Pipeline, investing in construction of key assets and human resources, and now supporting asset management once projects are completed.”
“This MOU addresses the whole lifecycle of infrastructure, including after it’s been handed over.”
“We’re delighted to respond to the government’s decision to upgrade its asset management tools, and support decisions on which assets need maintenance and when in order to boost their productive life.”
Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mr Allan Lilia, thanked Australia for its infrastructure support.
“This MOU will assist our use of the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System – or SITAMS – to manage our infrastructure.”
Under the MOU, an Asset Management Working Group will be established to help the ministry guide asset reporting and maintenance resource allocation.
